The Ocean Affairs Council organized the "2023 Ocean Women's Forum" on July 17, 2023, at the National Taiwan University Hospital International Convention Center. With the theme "Recognizing Women's True Capabilities, Rooting in Ocean Sustainability," the forum brought together 40 participants, including representatives from governmental agencies, academia, industry, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Fore speakers will share their involvement and contribution in the marine sector from the gender perspective. The forum aimed to facilitate discussions on the integration of gender equality consciousness in ocean affairs, providing a platform for exchanging ideas and raising broader and deeper awareness and discussion.

Deputy Minister Wen-Ling Hong of the Ocean Affairs Council emphasized the importance of recognizing the capacity and contributions of women in ocean affairs. She stated, "This forum is an important declaration that everyone can play a role in ocean affairs, and women should be acknowledged. By promoting gender equality and increasing and supporting women's participation in the ocean field, we aim to achieve a comprehensive and sustainable ocean development. The Ocean Affairs Council will continue to dedicate itself to creating an environment of opportunities and equality, encouraging more women to participate."

The forum started with a report by the Taiwan Institute of Economic Research on "International Practices in the Marine Sector," sharing feasible practices and approaches adopted by the United Nations, the European Union, Canada, and Sweden in integrating gender equality into ocean affairs. Following that, Deputy Minister Wen-Ling Hong of the Ocean Affairs Council delivered an engaging keynote speech focusing on the impact of gender equality on sustainable ocean development.

Four speakers of the panel on “Women’s leading role” are best representatives of women power, including Director-General Hsiang-Wen Huang from the Ocean Conservation Administration of the Ocean Affairs Council, Associate Professor Hsiao-Chun Tseng from the Institute of Marine Environment and Ecology of National Taiwan Ocean University, Chairperson Julia Chen from Tachou Ship Building Co., Ltd., and Co-founder & CEO Cheer Chen from Azure Alliance, a Taiwan-based NGO, shared their observations and recommendations. They engaged in in-depth dialogues and exchanges with the participants on "the importance and impact of women in the oceans and how to enhance their participation in ocean affairs."

This forum served as a platform for professionals and stakeholders in the ocean field to engage in sharing of the experiences and suggestions to promoting women's participation. Deputy Minister Wen-Ling Hong emphasized, "We aim to break gender barriers and provide equal opportunities for women and all to fully unleash their talents in the marine sector." She expressed her hope that more talents will work together to make our oceans a better palace.